Chapter 14
Owen
“It might have started that way, Kelcy,” I say, taking a steadying breath to keep my voice even.
I rarely push back on either of my sisters, but this matters too much to stay quiet.
“But my feelings aren’t fake.” I go on, a little steadier.
“I know you’re trying to protect me. But Liv is the most competent, badass woman I’ve ever met.
She doesn’t need saving. She doesn’t need me.
She just…wants me. And I want her—not because she’s a project, but because she’s her. ”
“I don’t want to see you get hurt,” Kelcy says softly.
“Yeah, but…I might. That’s life. But I’d rather risk something real than stay safe and miss it. Love isn’t something you can control—I know, because I’ve tried. That’s how I know this is different. I don’t want to control it. I just don’t want to miss it. I want all of her—exactly as she is.”
Kelcy gives a quiet laugh. “Wow. I’ve never heard you say it like that.”
I smile faintly, letting out a breath. “I appreciate you looking out for me. I always will. But you’ve got to trust me on this one, okay? You need to back off and let me figure out my own life.”
“Fair enough,” she says, her voice warm with reluctant approval.
“Your baby brother’s growing up.”
“Okay,” my sister shifts the phone in her hand, “what’s next?”
“I don’t know. I’m going to see her tonight before I leave for DC early tomorrow morning to meet with Senator Langford, but maybe I can fly straight back to San Francisco this weekend.”
“Okay, but…give her a little space. You’ve convinced me this might be different, but you can still be a lot sometimes.”
“I’m hanging up now,” I say with an eye roll. “Kiss my nephews.”
An hour later, I’m heading to Eli’s apartment when I pause at Liv’s door.
I consider knocking or leaving a note to let her know I’m thinking of her.
But my sister’s right. Liv’s in the middle of a huge launch, and I’ve already distracted her enough this weekend, plus I only have one day left with Eli before I have to leave.
I can go eight hours without seeing her.
“Hey!” the guy from the other day calls out as I hit the second-floor landing.
He’s stepping out of his apartment with another man, taller than both of us.
“You’re friends with Liv, right? And Eli?
” He offers a handshake. “I’m Cal.” He reminds me and gestures to the guy beside him.
“This is my buddy, Liam.” Then back to me. “Owen, right?”
“Yeah, that’s right,” I say, shaking Cal’s hand and turning to his friend. “Nice to meet you.”
Cal is tall, but Liam is huge. His shoulders are almost wider than the doorway.
“You too, man,” Liam says, returning my handshake. “Do you live in the building?”
“No,” I say, but an image flashes—waking up next to Liv every morning, making her coffee, curling up to watch a movie at night. Sharing little wins, venting about our rough days. I shake my head, trying to push away the echo of my sister’s voice: You move too fast. “Just visiting friends,” I add.
“Liam is going to be staying in my apartment for the next couple of weeks,” Cal explains, pushing the button on the keypad.
“Then I’m sure I’ll see you in the building,” I say. “I visit a lot.” And hopefully more, I think.